Luxury In Demand, Vision Predicts An Uptick
There’s no doubt about it, there is increased demand for luxury travel; along with for longer and higher-end trips; and immersive experiences.
That’s the message from Vision Travel advisors who attend the recent International Luxury Travel Market in Mexico.
Commenting on the post-COVID-19 emergence of these trends, Richmond, B.C.-based Vision Travel advisor, Ariane Henry said: “The opportunity to meet face-to-face with suppliers from Turkey, Colombia, Malta, and more has been wonderful.”
Henry estimates that 95% of her clientele are looking for luxury travel experiences, observing that: “My clients are clearly showing confidence and trust in the high standards and protocols offered by this calibre of suppliers: I truly believe luxury travel will be 100 percent more in demand.”
She added that her clients are looking for longer, more immersive and experiential vacations, and are asking to spend more time in destination.
Some 650 attendees – comprising exhibitors and buyers/travel advisors from 50 countries – attended the event, which featured face-to-face appointments and multiple networking opportunities. As well as following various COVID-19 protocols, attendees were provided with bracelets with QR codes to replace business cards.
Joelle Goldman, Vice President, Host Services for Direct Travel (and its Canadian leisure brand Vision), who also attended the show, said that: “All signs indicate that luxury travel is experiencing a boom – certainly that’s what we are seeing at Vision.”
And Goldman added: “Of our top five suppliers booked this past year, four are in the luxury space.”
Colleague, senior luxury travel consultant Pat Tsatoumas from Montreal, also found the event, with its emphasis on the evolving growth of luxury travel, was very worthwhile.
Said Tsatoumas: “This is my third year attending and I’ve found my meetings with hoteliers including Fairmont, Ritz Carlton and SLS very informative. I’m now especially intrigued by the luxury options for visitors to Mexico City and plan to recommend it to my clients.”
Goldman remarked how pleased she was to be in Mexico and how many of the attendees, already acquainted through past dealings, were so happy to be meeting again in person.
“The enthusiasm for luxury travel is palpable,” she remarked. Vision/Direct’s emphasis on luxury travel is becoming more focused as clients express the desire for more “bucket list” and exotic experiences.
As for Henry, she sees her role evolving, noting: “I am now a true travel advisor rather than an order processer. I’m finding my clients are very much relying on my advice and leaving decisions up to me. They’re simply not comfortable navigating the restrictions anymore.”
Go to www.visiontravel.ca for more.
